Lactobacillus Reuteri
About Lactobacillus Reuteri
Lactobacillus Reuteri is a probiotic supplement designed to support and restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. It is commonly used to manage digestive issues such as occasional diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and irritable bowel symptoms. By replenishing helpful microbes in the gut, this product helps maintain healthy digestive function.
To achieve the best results, you should take Lactobacillus Reuteri consistently at the same time every day. It can typically be taken with or without food, though taking it with a meal may help reduce any initial mild stomach discomfort. Combining this supplement with a balanced diet rich in fibre and staying well-hydrated can significantly enhance its positive effects on your gut.
While Lactobacillus Reuteri is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild digestive changes like temporary gas or bloating when first starting it. These symptoms usually go away as your body adjusts, but you should consult your doctor immediately if you develop severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhoea, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Different strains of Lactobacillus Reuteri and different CFU (colony-forming unit) counts may provide different health benefits. Always use the product and dose recommended by your doctor.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lactobacillus Reuteri if you have a compromised immune system, a serious illness, or if you are currently hospitalised. People with central venous catheters or those recovering from recent bowel surgery should not take this product, as it may increase the risk of rare systemic infections.
If you are taking antibiotics, space them at least two hours apart from Lactobacillus Reuteri, as antibiotics can kill the beneficial bacteria and make the supplement less effective. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and elderly individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using this supplement to ensure it is safe for their specific needs.
It may be used in infants and children for certain conditions, such as infantile colic or diarrhoea, when recommended by a doctor. The dose and formulation differ from those used in adults. Use in premature or very young infants should only be under direct medical supervision.
Uses of Lactobacillus Reuteri
• Relief from stomach pain: Lactobacillus Reuteri reduce abdominal discomfort by improving gut flora and reducing inflammation.
• Treatment of constipation: Promotes regular bowel movements by improving intestinal motility and softening stools.
• Support in diarrhoea: Restores beneficial gut bacteria, reducing the duration and severity of diarrhoea.
• Management of Helicobacter pylori infection: It helps lower H. pylori levels and protects the stomach lining when used with regular treatment. • Control of high cholesterol: It may help to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels by modifying gut microbiota.
Medicinal Benefits
Lactobacillus Reuteri provides real-world relief by targeting the root cause of digestive imbalances, helping you return to your normal daily routine without the constant worry of stomach upset. This medicine brings several key health benefits:
- Consistent digestive comfort: By reducing painful bloating and excess gas, it allows you to enjoy your favourite meals with greater peace of mind.
- Predictable bowel movements: It helps stabilise your digestive transit time, offering relief from both occasional constipation and sudden diarrhoea.
- Faster recovery from stomach bugs: It supports your gut's natural defences, helping you bounce back more quickly after a digestive disturbance.
Directions for Use
- Lactobacillus Reuteri can be taken with or without food.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Capsule: Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew it. For children, the contents in the capsule can be mixed with food or drinks as advised by your doctor.
- Chewable tablet: Chew the tablet completely and swallow. Do not swallow it as a whole without chewing.
Storage
Side Effects of Lactobacillus Reuteri
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild stomach gas or flatulence
- Temporary bloating
- A slight change in stool consistency when first starting
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and severe dizziness or trouble breathing
- High fever, chills, or persistent cough
- Severe, ongoing abdominal pain or bloody stools
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the storage label immediately: Always verify whether your specific bottle of Lactobacillus Reuteri needs to be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature, as improper storage quickly destroys the live bacteria.
- Inspect the product before use: Do not take the product if you notice any unusual changes in colour or texture, or if the safety seal is broken.
- Separate from antibiotic doses: Take Lactobacillus Reuteri at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any antibiotic medications to prevent the antibiotic from inactivating the probiotic.
- Avoid hot liquids: Never mix liquid drops or powders of Lactobacillus Reuteri with hot teas, soups, or warm milk, as temperatures above 60°C can kill the active bacteria.
- Consult before surgery: Inform your surgical team if you are taking Lactobacillus Reuteri, especially if you are scheduled for any gastrointestinal procedures.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact.
- Antibiotics: May reduce the effectiveness of Lactobacillus Reuteri by killing the live beneficial bacteria. Always separate these doses by at least two hours.
- Immunosuppressant medications: Drugs that weaken the immune system (such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids) may increase the risk of infection from live bacterial cultures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol with Lactobacillus Reuteri as it may increase side effects.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Lactobacillus Reuteri is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safeLactobacillus Reuteri usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorInform your doctor if you have liver impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before recommending Lactobacillus Reuteri.
Kidney
consult your doctorInform your doctor if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before recommending Lactobacillus Reuteri.
Children
cautionLactobacillus Reuteri is recommended for children only if advised by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat prebiotic-rich foods: Fuel the beneficial bacteria in Lactobacillus Reuteri by eating foods high in prebiotic fibres, such as bananas, onions, garlic, oats, and asparagus.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healthy digestion and keep your gut lining properly hydrated.
- Limit sugar and processed foods: High-sugar diets can feed harmful gut bacteria, undermining the positive effects of your probiotic supplement.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your gut microbiome; practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga to support digestive health.
Special Advise
You are advised to drink plenty of fluids to compensate for the loss of electrolytes and salts due to diarrhoea.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diarrhoea: It is a condition characterised by loose and watery stools with a frequent need to have a bowel movement. Diarrhoea might be a result of bacterial or viral infection. It can be acute (lasts for a few days) or chronic (lasts for a few weeks). Diarrhoea can lead to loss of water along with salts, electrolytes, and minerals from the body. The common causes of diarrhoea include food intolerance, food allergy, adverse reaction to a medication, or infections. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, dehydration, watery loose stools, and frequent urge to evacuate the bowels.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): It is a type of bacteria that lives in the stomach lining. It can survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and may cause inflammation. Over time, it can lead to conditions such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, and, in some cases, stomach cancer. It is usually spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person.
FAQs
Lactobacillus Reuteri is used to promote gut health and manage digestive disorders, including stomach pain, colic, constipation, diarrhoea, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and high cholesterol levels.
Lactobacillus Reuteri contains Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic (live microorganisms that support health) that helps restore beneficial bacteria in the intestines. It suppresses harmful bacteria, such as H. pylori, promotes protective mucus, strengthens the gut barrier, and supports immune balance, thereby contributing to improved digestive and metabolic health.
You are not recommended to take Lactobacillus Reuteri with ketoconazole or other antifungals, as it may decrease the effectiveness of Lactobacillus Reuteri. However, please consult a doctor before taking Lactobacillus Reuteri with other medicines.
You are recommended to use Lactobacillus Reuteri for as long as your doctor advises. However, if the condition persists for more than 2 days or worsens, accompanied by blood in the stools or fever, please consult a doctor.
Yes, Lactobacillus Reuteri is designed for daily use to help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your digestive system. For long-term use, talk to your doctor.
It depends on the specific brand and formulation. Some must be kept in the refrigerator, while others are stable at room temperature. Always check the product label or talk to your pharmacist.
Yes, but you should take it at least two hours before or after your antibiotic dose to prevent the antibiotic from killing the friendly bacteria in Lactobacillus Reuteri. Talk to your doctor for a personalised schedule.
Some people may experience mild gas or bloating during the first few days as their digestive tract adjusts to the new bacteria. If these symptoms are severe or do not go away, talk to your doctor.
Probiotics are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but every pregnancy is unique. Before starting Lactobacillus Reuteri, talk to your doctor or obstetrician to ensure it is safe for you.
No, you should not mix Lactobacillus Reuteri with hot tea, coffee, soup, or warm formula, as high heat can kill the beneficial live bacteria and make the product ineffective. Use cool or room-temperature liquids instead.
Mild bloating is common initially, but if you experience severe, painful bloating or stomach pain that does not improve, stop taking the supplement and talk to your doctor immediately.
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